OV Eighth Graders Rally To Top North Clay, 22-16

Staff Report

Looking to avenge last year’s 16-14 gridiron loss to North Clay, the Owen Valley’s eighth grade squad visited the Knights this past Wednesday.

The action started fast and furious as Dalen Dow scored from 52 yards out on a quick screen pass from Daniel Burkett on OV’s first possession. North Clay responded almost immediately to make the score 8-8 with less than two minutes being played. Daniel Burkett finished out the half with a one-yard score, followed by a failed pointafter try (PAT), while North Clay reeled off an eight-yard score of its own to lead 16-14 at the half.

The teams continued to battle back and forth until just three minutes remained in the game. North Clay, facing fourth and goal from the three-yard-line, was stopped short when Patriot linebacker Seth Harris burst through the line to sack the quarterback and the ball turned over on downs.

Starting at their own seven-yardline, OV mounted a furious gamewinning drive with Burkett finding Dow in the end zone from 30 yards out with just over one minute to go for the final score.

Statistically, Burkett led the way with 50 yards rushing. Patrick Hershberger had three rushes for a combined 26 yards, and Kevin Mc- Bee one for one yard.

Through the air, Burkett completed six of 10 passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns. Dow was on the receiving end of three of those throws for a total of 81 yards, two touchdowns and a PAT. Issaac Wood caught one pass for 12 yards, and Isiah McMurray one catch for 30 yards as well as reeling in a PAT.

Owen Valley plays host to rival Edgewood this coming Wednesday, September 11. Kick-off is set for approximately 7:30 p.m.